Mizoram tells schools to stop casual filming of students on campus

Mizoram's Directorate of School Education has told schools across the state to generally avoid filming students on school premises, and has warned staff against sharing photos or videos that could hurt children's privacy, dignity or well-being, India Today NE reported.

The circular, dated October 26, comes amid concern over clips of students being posted on social media that were never meant for a public audience.

What is allowed and what is not

Under the directive, filming in classrooms or elsewhere on campus should generally be avoided. It is permitted during school functions, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and genuine learning activities.

The circular specifically warns against recordings that could cause students "embarrassment, humiliation or distress", especially if such footage later circulates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X or Threads.

Teaching and non-teaching staff have been asked not to repeatedly post photos or videos that focus on individual students on social media. Exceptions include content about students' achievements, their participation in official programmes or particular activities, and material needed for official reports. Teachers are also asked to be careful about what they share about students and school activities from both personal and official accounts.

The legal basis

Citing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the rules framed under it in 2025, the Directorate said verifiable consent from a parent or lawful guardian is required before processing the personal data of anyone under 18, which includes identifiable photographs and videos, subject to when the relevant provisions apply.

Schools must ensure that students' photos, videos and other personal details are not collected, used or shared without proper authorisation. Where violations amount to offences, action may follow under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the circular said. It refers in particular to Section 23 of POCSO, which deals with disclosing the identity of a child in cases under the law.

Why it matters

Short videos from classrooms, from viral dance clips to recordings of children being scolded, have become common on social media across India. Child-rights advocates have long warned that such posts can expose minors to ridicule and follow them online for years. Mizoram's circular is one of the clearer attempts by a state education department in the North East to set rules for school staff.